Lift a Jeep Suspension

Lift your Jeep to accommodate larger tires and increase approach and departure angles for increased off road capability. It also looks cool. This article is geared towards lifting 1993-1998 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee and 1997-2006 (TJ)Wranglers that have four coil type springs. The basic principles are the same and could apply to some other models and makes. Most of all use good judgement and focus on safety when modifying a vehicle both during the work and considering how the finished vehicle will handle and drive.

Steps

  1. Join a Yahoo Group or similar discussion group of enthusiasts interested in the same model Jeep as yours. They will be a great source of encouragement and equipment/method opinions plus be in a position to help solve the problems you may encounter.
  2. Consider what you are trying to really accomplish. Are you lifting your daily driver a few inches to accommodate larger tires and make it more trail worthy or are you building the ultimate trail rig that you will trailer to events? This is the most important step as it will dictate what you do during the remaining steps. Think about the need to get your vehicle inspected, how high of a lift do you want, what's involved with installing the lift (1-2 is fairly simple not requiring much; higher and you may need to adjusted/drop other parts on the vehicle - parts that may not be included in the lift kit), and most importantly your budget.
  3. Look at various manufacturer's lift kits and prices to decide on the one that suits you best. The kits will range from a few spacers costing less than $100 to large groups of parts such as springs, shocks, track bars, control arms, steering components, extended brake lines, etc. for several thousand dollars.
  4. Once you have obtained all the parts you need and have secured the tools and a garage or level driveway surface you are ready to begin. It is assumed here that you have the mechanical skills and tools to accomplish the job safely. If you have any doubt about this consider having your lift kit professionally installed.
  5. Follow the directions that came with the kit! Depending on the extent and type of kit, the directions will most likely begin with "support the front end of the vehicle on sturdy jack stands on a level surface and remove the wheels and tires." This is an essential step for ensuring your safety during the installation and allows access to the suspension parts.
  6. Then you will remove the front shock absorbers and coil springs so they can be replaced with the taller parts. Depending on the kit you may also replace or modify control arms, brake lines, track bars, and the Pitman arm steering part. Again stick to the kit manufacturer's directions as they vary too much to be more specific here.
  7. The directions will probably have you work the front end first and then make the rear end mods and possibly add some other mods involving for instance the transfer case mounts.
  8. After completing the lift installation have someone move the steering from full left to full right while you inspect the moving parts for any sign of interference. Solve any problems before attempting to operate the vehicle.
  9. Install your new tires and wheels. Repeat the left to right steering test for any signs of interference. Do this both on the ground as well as with each side jacked up (separately) to maximum suspension flex to check brake lines and for tire rub on suspension or body parts.
  10. Lastly go straight to the alignment shop and get a complete front end alignment. The lifting of a vehicle will change the suspension geometry and proper alignment is essential for safe operation and good tire wear.
  11. Now head for the trails! Have fun but be safe and tread lightly to protect the environment so trails will remain open and Jeepers will keep their good name.

Tips

  • Avoid body lifts. Suspension modification is the correct and safer way to lift. Body lifts cause interferences because they try to stretch your steering column, air-conditioning lines, heater hoses, gearshift linkages, etc. They also make the Jeep look funny when your body sits above the bumpers and everyone will know it is a body lift. Some Jeepers add a single inch to their overall lift with a body lift for better tire clearance and while not recommended it is often done safely.
  • You can mix and match parts from various manufacturers to arrive at the capability and look you want as long as you are sure what you have done is safe.
  • The variations on lifting Jeeps are as diverse as there are people out there customizing them but the above instructions are a great starting place.
  • There is more aftermarket stuff out there for Jeeps than just about any other make of vehicle so you will probably want to continue to improve and customize your rig as time and money permits. A skid plate for the oil pan is highly recommended.
  • You can build up a Jeep in stages. Most of us don't have $5000 to run out and get the ultimate lift kit but end up doing it a little at a time. For instance put in a basic {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} lift with {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} tires and get some trail experience with a local Jeep club. Then start adding things like skid plates, a heavy duty tie-rod, or adjustable track bars and control arms.

Warnings

  • Brake lines are stretched by lifts. Make 100% sure your brake lines will reach the full flex of the new suspension. Install and bleed longer lines if they don't reach.
  • Drive line angles have been increased. Non-Rubicon models may require a slip joint eliminator kit and depending on height of lift all models may require longer drive shafts.
  • Unless you are building a rig you will only trailer to events, ensure that your Jeep still meets state and local laws to be street legal. Maximum bumper height and tires sticking out past the fender flares are the most likely violations that you will encounter.
  • {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of lift is the limit before you start to get in to drive shaft vibration issues. Taller lifts will require special U-joints.
  • Lifted vehicles handle differently than stock. You have raised the center of gravity and can tip over easier so be extremely carefully about turns and inclines. Learn how it handles!

Things You'll Need

  • Lift kit from reputable manufacturer
  • Mechanical assembly experience
  • Garage or level driveway
  • Good set of mechanics tools
  • A compressor and air tools will be big help but not essential
  • A friend to assist when installing the springs (unless you have a spring compression tool). The friend can also hand you tools and parts while you are under the Jeep, as well as be present in case of emergency.

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